Peace officers: confidential communications: group peer support services.

Senator Grayson's legislation expands confidentiality protections for law enforcement personnel participating in peer support programs by extending existing privacy rights to group counseling sessions. The measure builds upon California's Law Enforcement Peer Support and Crisis Referral Services Program, which enables agencies to establish support networks for officers dealing with emotional or professional challenges.

The bill adds "group peer support services" to the types of protected communications between officers and peer counselors, defining these as sessions involving at least one trained peer support team member or mental health professional and multiple participants. Under the new provisions, officers may prevent the disclosure of confidential information shared during group sessions, and participants cannot be compelled to reveal knowledge gained about other group members without consent.

The legislation maintains current exceptions allowing disclosure of confidential communications in specific circumstances, such as when necessary to prevent death or substantial bodily harm, during criminal proceedings, or with the officer's written permission. Peer support team members may also share information when referring officers to crisis services or consulting with other team members about a case.